The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said that Nigeria is ready for responsible and profitable mining investment based on its rich mineral endowment.
Speaking today in Abuja at a press briefing for the forthcoming 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week 2025, held in the minister’s conference room, the minister stressed that so much progress has already been recorded in the mining sector, adding that Nigeria is now ready to scale up in the next decade to ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria as a globally relevant mining hub.
In a press release, the Head of Press and Public Relations Department in the ministry, Kania Maliki Andeyaba, said the week, scheduled to hold in Abuja from the 13th to 15th of October, 2025, is themed, “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”.
Alake, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, said, “Over the past ten years, Nigeria Mining Week has grown from a modest industry gathering into a flagship platform that convenes government, investors, operators, and development partners.
“As we enter the next decade, our focus is clear: to scale up the industry, ensure sustainability, drive value addition, and firmly position Nigeria as a globally relevant mining hub.”
Noting how proud the ministry is to serve as the host ministry of the event, he said the Week is not just symbolic, but reflects the government’s commitment to making mining a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda as reflected in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Tinubu.
According to him, it also identified the mining sector as one of the sectors to drive the diversification of Nigeria economy away from oil.
He added: “Our legal frameworks are being strengthened, our licensing processes are being streamlined, and we are deepening partnerships to ensure that investors find both security and sustainability in our mining environment.”
Harping on the importance of the initial press briefing, he said that it formally launches the messaging for this year’s Nigeria Mining Week and signals government’s endorsement and commitment to the event and the sector.
Alake said that it also ensures that industry stakeholders, investors, and the wider public begin to engage early with the opportunities that October’s event will present.
“As we speak today, our partners-the Miners Association of Nigeria, VUKA Group, and PwC Nigeria-are all working with us to deliver a world-class event that will highlight Nigeria’s progress and future potential in mining,” he said.
“Nigeria’s mining industry is no longer a hidden frontier. With over 44 distinct mineral types identified across the federation, the sector represents one of the most exciting investment destinations on the African continent.
“But beyond raw materials extraction, our vision is clear: To scale production responsibly; To build sustainable value chains; to promote beneficiation and value addition within Nigeria; to ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to our national GDP, job creation, and community development, and to embed global best practices in environmental and social governance.”
The minister said this year’s Nigeria Mining Week will provide a platform to demonstrate the investability to local and international stakeholders.
“In October, Nigeria will once again host policymakers, financiers, miners, explorers, technology providers, and development partners,” he said , adding, “Together, we will review the past decade of progress, set the tone for the future, and reaffirm Nigeria’s place in the global mining community.
“I therefore invite all stakeholders-local and international-to participate fully in this landmark 10th edition. The decade ahead is not just about minerals potential and opportunities, but about decisive action and achieving global relevance. Nigeria welcomes those who will join us on this journey.”
He thanked partners in the sector including the Miners Association of Nigeria, VUKA Group, and PwC Nigeria, for their continued collaboration.
“I also want to thank members of the press for being here today. Your role in sharing this message is invaluable in amplifying Nigeria’s story and opportunities in the Nigerian mining sector,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, noted that the annual event in the past nine years has stood tall in conversations that have led to growth and the development of Nigeria solid minerals sector.
According to him, it has remained the prime platform for the incubation of innovative ideas fueling sectoral growth, introduction and showcasing of emerging global technologies and methodologies in mining jurisdictions, launching of national landmark achievements in the regulatory oversight, business linkages and closing deals with local and international investors, educating and sensitizing small scale title holders and indigenous operators on global best practices and adherence to local operating standards, among others.
“There is no doubting the fact that, through the instrumentality of this event, the mining sector has achieved remarkable progress.
“From increased exploration activities to the growth of artisanal and small-scale mining, and the emergence of larger mining operations, our sector has steadily evolved.
“Significant strides have been made in formalizing artisanal mining, improving regulatory compliance, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Production of key minerals such as gold, limestone, and bitumen has increased, contributing to local economic growth and job creation. Policy reforms, including improved licensing processes and fiscal incentives, have also enhanced the ease of doing business within the sector.”
He also pointed out that mining companies are increasingly adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices to optimize efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve community engagement.
“As miners, we have faced challenges, but we have also achieved milestones.”
The representative of the PwC Nigeria, Mr. Habeeb Jaiyeola, said that the panel event has served as a platform for shaping the conversations on Nigeria’s mining sectors, driving dialogue, building consensus, and crafting traditions as the true engine of shared prosperity for all Nigerians.
He said it is designed to showcase the milestones achieved in Nigeria’s mining sector both local stakeholders and international community.
“At the same time, it provides a critical forum for addressing current challenges and developing actionable solutions that will unlock the full potential of the sector for growth inclusivity and global competitiveness,” he added
On his part, the representative of the Vuka Group, Sam Ukelo, disclosed that the week is looking forward to welcoming over 3500 participants to its conference and exhibition.
“This milestone event will not only celebrate the past 10 years, however, it will also learn to see how we can unlock investment opportunities in other verticals that are vital to approach the mining sector, namely the power industry, the steel industry, as well as infrastructure as well,” he added
In her welcome address, the Director of IPMT, Mrs Esther Udo, said the event has established itself as a foremost platform for stakeholders across the mining value chain to engage deliberate and showcase opportunities within Nigerian mining sector.
Stressing that the forthcoming 10th edition carries even greater significance, she said that it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to repositioning the solid mineral sector as a major driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.
“With Nigeria’s rich endowment in mineral resources, we are presented with an immense opportunity to harness this asset responsibly, while attracting investment and also foster innovation,” she stated.
